Im a whiner. I guess I finally have to admit it. I took a look back at the way I have lived my life, and I cant come to any other conclusion.
When I was a high school, I whined about not being able to take business classes when I was a junior (they were only available to seniors), so I took classes at the University of Pittsburgh instead.
When I got to Indiana University, I whined that the classes they wanted me to take were’nt enough of a challenge, so I snuck into the MBA program and took graduate level statistics when I was a freshman. Then I took other MBA level classes as a freshman and sophmore, which gave me the confidence to compete at any level.
When I got a job selling software, I whined to the owner that he shouldn’t make me sweep the floor of our store and I should be able to go outand close sales. That led to me getting fired, which in turn led to me starting MicroSolutions.
When I started MicroSolutions, I whined that there were no companies that could help hook personal computers together, so we became one of the first integrators for Novell Share Data Systems, which in turn became the core for our business that grew and grew until I sold it in 1990 and retired for a few years
When I was hanging out with my buddy, Todd Wagner, we whined together about how we couldnt listen to Indiana Basketball or any hometown sports in Dallas, so we started AudioNet, which became Broadcast.com
When I was at the opening night of the Mavs 99-00 season, I whined to my friends that there was no energy, no fun in the building, that I could do a better job. Which led to me buying the Mavs.
When I bought my first HDTV, I whined about the fact that there was no content, which lead to me starting HDNet with Phil Garvin.
Now that I own the Mavs, I whine about a lot of things in the NBA, from marketing to officials, which has led to change. Changes in how games are sold and marketed, how games are presented, how some departments are organized andmanaged in the NBA. Thats the nice thing about whining to an organization that wants to improve. They might not always show the love, but actions can speak louder than words.
When we started producing movies, I whined that it made no sense that movies couldnt be released in theaters, on HDNet and on DVD and HD DVD all on the same day. So we started releasing movies day and date.
Im sure there have been many other things I have whined about in the past, and many more that I will whine about in the future. What I dont understand is why so many people think whining has a negative connotation. I dont.
Whining is the first step towards change. Its the moment when you realize something is very wrong and that you have to take the initiative todo something about it. Sure, criticism usually comes along with the territory. Who cares ?
People in media like to call people whiners. With a negative connotation. Beause of course, people in the media are non whiners. Which they amazingly enough , think is a good thing.
People who dont whine are punching bags. They just go about their days, their jobs, their lives, knowing there is nothing they can do to change a darn thing, so why say a word ?They see no reason to whine because they know they are incapable of affecting change.
RandyGalloway is a great example of a media non whiner, a punching bag. He works in two industries, newspaper and terrestrial radio that are getting the hell kicked out of them. All around him, people he knows and cares about are losing their jobs. He knows he is one format change, one consultantor one acquisition from losing his job.Thats got to hurt.
He doesnt whine. He does nothing. He might go have a drink or 15, but then its business as usual. Like many non whiners, he has so little distaste for watching people around him get hurt, he does nothing. He is a punching bag guy, in a punching bag life.
Call me a whiner any day.
Mr. Mark Cuban has a come back for everything – that’s what I like about him….just don’t whine when you guys play the Sacramento Kings.
Go Kings!
Comment by Eric -
I know nothing about the NBA or basketball and I hadn’t heard of you until tonight when I read the news ticker while watching the Red Sox game on ESPN.
You sound like a really cool guy and it bugs me that the NBA charged you for criticizing them on your personal blog (KEYWORD PERSONAL..).
If the NBA can’t appreciate your ideas and at least consider them, then let that be their loss. I’m sure they have no idea what they’re missing…
I wouldn’t even consider your whining to be whining. It’s more like common sense and knowing how to run a business. It’s done nothing but lead you to success.. right? So, I’d say continue your “whining.” I think I might have to try this for myself sometime. 🙂
Comment by Danielle -
I’m also a whiner. I’ve been whining for a couple of years that I wish I could pick up Mavericks games on the radio outside of the Dallas city limits. I live in Ellis county. A whopping 30 miles from AAC and can’t pick up the signal. The Mesquite ISD has a stronger signal than this.
Comment by Kent -
Whine on Mark!!!!!!
I am not sure who gets credit for this quote, so I apologize up front and would love to know if anyone knows, but it is one that I have in my collection.
“The reasonable person accepts the world the way it is. The unreasonable person insists on changing the world to suit his own requirements. That is why all progress depends upon the unreasonable person.”
Comment by Brad Cunningham -
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/columnists/randy_galloway/14543931.htm
Galloway comments: Mark Cuban is, by far, the bigger whiner in the NBA when it comes to the refs. But Duncan and the Spurs are second, and moving up with a bullet.
cubes, whining is acceptable (with action)however you need to stop being a *superfan* and act like an owner sometimes. Yes, you are a whiner – you need to get some self-control.
I still find it very hard to believe the Refs blog post was done BEFORE the Game One. The posting time a few hours after the game was a little suspicious, why not post it before the playoffs started??? That would make more sense.
How long is Stern’s term – sounds like you should be commissioner rather than an owner.
Comment by Brandon -
Galloway may not be a whiner but he is a blowhard.
Comment by Scott in Frisco -
As a fellow Change Agent, I love your dissatisfaction with things. Like you said, that is the first step towards adaptive change. Perhaps if all of us took the time to understand why each other ‘whined’ about certain things, life for all of us might improve significantly. Thanks for not stopping at ‘whining’! I think that is what separates the men from the boys.
Comment by Brian -
What an egomaniac. As brilliant as you think you are, when you storm onto the court during a game to scream at the officials, you’re not improving the product, you’re interfering with it.
You confuse productive improvement with whining. All you did was list your accomplishments, and label all of them as whining, when you know perfectly well Galloway wasn’t referring to those things, he was referring to the way you constantly act like a petulant child when you don’t get your way. If your ego requires you to delude yourself into thinking that your way is always a better way, well, that’s sort of sad. You could really learn a lesson by studying Avery Johnson’s professional manner. Avery Johnson does not whine. Avery is a leader. No matter what happens, he takes responsibility. The buck ALWAYS stops with him. With you, though, it’s always somebody else’s fault.
You’ve proved that your whining behaviour can bring a great deal of success. Nobody disputes that. It’s just an embarrassment that you go about it in such a childish manner. You represent Dallas when you storm onto the court the way you did. You own the Dallas Mavericks, heck, you’re even wearing a Dallas shirt/jersey. Instead of apologizing for your behaviour, you treat it as if it’s a mark of honour in your battle for a better product. As if you’re doing the league a favour by acting like a jackass. If only they’d see the light that that you alone are privy to.
I guess the Ego wants what the Ego wants.
Comment by Tim -
Whiners are great when they can find solutions to the issues. Those whiners are called Inventors. However, there are some that just whine and have no solution or suggestion. Those whiners are losers. That is when you just want to say to them ” Would you like some cheese with that ‘whine'”
I would say Cuban is an inventor and not a loser by any means. 🙂
As for me, I would love to watch the Mavs play at AA center during the playoffs. But of course, only but extremely rich people, Mark’s friends can afford,but a poor hispanic person like me can only wish to be in attendanc, has to watch the game on some 13 inch black and white TV that has rabbit ears with alumnium foil hanging on the left ear, with at least 10-14 others around. How is that fair America? Cuban is blessed and not me? That is so wrong and unfair! If only I can whine like Cuban with my billion of dollars in the bank account. I, too, would like to be a whiner like Cuban.
By the way, I will take my cheese now.
Comment by Jacqueline -
The “Galloways” of our time are literally disasters waiting to happen. When a man sees the need for a positive change but rather chooses to go with the flow, he’s just a big time accident waiting to blow up. The world needs more whiners who can effectively turn around the story of their generation for the better. Go Cubie……..
Comment by ay -
mark,
you are one of the best owners in the league. your points are generally valid; and i doubt you would be fined as hard as you are if they were not.
so long as the mavs stay in the nba’s elite, thus turning a profit come playoff time, keep doing what you do.
now if only you would whine more about the mvp voting process. it is to the point now that dirk needs to cure cancer in order to get the votes.
regards,
dj
Comment by dj -
Dissent is the first step towards paradigm changing innovation. I don’t agree with all the moves you’ve made, but I do agree with seeing a given situation with fresh eyes and asking “why can’t we make this better” or “people would really dig this if…”.
Dissatifaction with the way things are and the vision to see how things can be has always been a powerful catalyst for change.
Comment by Colin -
You’re my hero Mr. Cuban.
Comment by Chris -
Whine on Mark….the media people are “critics” mostly they just critizise without improving the situations. Give me a fellow whiner who then tries to change the status quo anytime over a critic.
Comment by Joe -
OK, and I so, I believe that whining is a luxury provided to us while growing up! I remember, when I whined, I got slapped and told to go to my room! Anyone remembers that? I guess what makes a whiner a success is how you were raised and how you handeled whining punishments! I think a lot of the whiners may owe it to their understanding parents? Some people are in a position to be able to whine, but most will have to think twice about ever whining, again!
Comment by Mitchell -
Crybaby.
Comment by James Vaughn -
Mark please make McClatchy a deal he can’t refuse and come take over the Buccos! I have never seen a winning baseball team here in Pittsburgh and I want to so badly. We need your help Mark!
Comment by Ryan Bowker -
Let me whine about never seeing an NBA game in person! ahhhhhhhhhhhh 🙁
No really I never have seen a game. Nothing wrong with whining. Most people who do it just sit around every day and whine. Others work to make change.
Comment by Brandon Connell -
Whine ON Mark!!! Although some might call it that, I call it living your life with no boundries on your dreams. At some point, we all have to deal with stupid classes, jobs, and ridiculous situations. It’s what you do in those moments that makes you tick and makes you a success… or not.
Comment by Mark -
Mr Cuban,
Didn’t your whining also make Phil Jackson your “bucket boy”?
Also, I wouldn’t call Galloway a non-whiner. In my opinion, its he’s a professional whiner. For example, just listen when his producer Shaun Dodge (also from the under-appreciated Mav’s drumline) has to do a “read.”
Comment by Chris Goodridge -
Galloway is heard on the “terrestrial radio” medium that carries the Mav’s games. A station that is hard to pick up on my radio while sitting in their parking lot in Arlington.
Here’s my whine: People served in the southern sectors of the Metroplex cannot recieve a decent (if any) FM signal from 103.3 FM. But I did get a some reception driving between Tulsa and Dallas. Guess those wigwams carry more wampum.
Comment by Bo DeHart -
Jeez, Mr. Cuban everyone who listens to Galloway knows he rips everybody…He writes what he thinks much the same as you do on this blog…One mans whine is another mans basis for change….It all depends on your perception of the situation…..If you dont like what Galloway says go on his show and defend yourself from the attacks…….
Comment by JR -
Come on Mark, Galloway’s comments in today’s paper was pretty darn funny and you know it. I think he was making a point that the squeaky clean perfect Spurs (at least according to TNT) aren’t used to not getting all the calls their way and are crying about it.
Great game last night, let’s knock two more wins here.
Comment by Scott Haley -
Come on Mark, Galloway’s comments in today’s paper was pretty darn funny and you know it. I think he was making a point that the squeaky clean perfect Spurs (at least according to TNT) aren’t used to not getting all the calls their way and are crying about it.
Great game last night, let’s knock two more wins here.
Comment by Scott Haley -
Well – from what I can tell I think Galloway actually really does like you. No need to rip him a new one because he says you are the league’s biggest whiner. You’ve already implied that whining is a good thing – so it works out as a backhanded compliment. 🙂
Anyway, good luck to both you and the Mavs.
Comment by Stephen -
*whine* So many people in this blog kiss Mark’s ass *whine*
Hopefully my whine will result in a change.
Comment by Nate Manning -
Whining certainly has its place, but if you’re gonna whine to TRY to make a difference, be prepared to whine a LOT.
Also, someone said something to the effect of “God grant me the strength to change the things that I can, to accept the things that I can’t, and the wisdom to know the difference”. This acceptance and wisdom doesn’t imply that you are a punching bag.
And you shouldn’t dis others by name…
I suspect that your statements are exaggerated for effect, in order to promote yourself… the key to success?
Comment by Vladimir Orlt -
You’re right on Mark. Whiners that do something about the problems are the innovators, they see a need and fill the gap. You’re a genius. Do you ever hire people to just follow you around and learn from you? I’m 17 and I love everything you do, I work for okapistudio.com right now. Good luck Mavs!
By the way, this is Randy Galloway – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Galloway
Comment by Sam Purtill -
Who is Randy Galloway? And perhaps he’s not whining because he’s happy? Just a thought.
Comment by DML -
Yet again, Cuban is right. Take something everyone labels him as, and he says “Yep, I am one. And its a good thing.”
J
Comment by J -
The most annoying thing to me are whiners who do nothing, but I believe you can recognize that change needs to be made and act on it without whining.
Comment by Craig -
Can you please start whining about the Pirates?
Comment by Pat -
Can you please start whining about the Pirates?
Comment by Pat -
I would have defined you as solution conscious, personally.
Comment by David Petersen -
Mavericks vs Spurs …
Cuban vs Galloway …
‘ WHINER TAKES ALL ‘
Comment by Radio Maverick -
Galloway is not alone in being a “punching bag media” type. Sports talk radio and print journalism are full of men who refuse to change with the times. A couple of years ago, I worked for a sports based website. I found that many in radio and print were highly skeptical of those of us on the net, even though we were more educated and more qualified. I have to admit; I’m a complainer as well….
Comment by Josh -
Mark,
You have common sense and majority of people just do not see things…
If it makes sense or will improve the quality of the product, why not make changes and make noise…just like the NBA Refs for the playoffs!
Comment by Shawn Sullivan -
Good shot at Galloway!!!
Comment by T.P. -
ummm whiner equate success?…Now I know what I’ve been doing wrong!
Comment by e -
It doesn’t sound like you are a whiner at all. Whining is complaining with no intent to change anything. It is expected that someone else will make things better. SOMEHOW. The whiner doesn’t even think about HOW things should be changed, but just that things are currently bad.
You are an innovator, NOT a whiner.
Comment by Mike MacLeod -
I agree with Ryan there is a whiner action taker and then just a pathetic whiner life sucks attitude.
Actually very Tony Roberts of you Mark !?!?
Comment by Teddy Rasch -
it is very important to remember that you have done something about your whines. many people don’t. when you bring about change from your whining with friends, etc it is better for everyone. when you just whine and bitch and moan all the time, and dont do anything about it – well that not only makes you a whiner, it makes you very annoying as well.
Comment by Ryan -
Sooo… I take it that Galloway must have called you a whiner!
BTW… Wassup Rufus?
Comment by Jeffro -
There’s nothing wrong with being a whiner. I whine about the Cavs getting slaughtered by the Pistons. I think what you are doing is complaining for the purpose of change and advancement. There are a lot of things you have changed for the better because you complained about it…and look where it has gotten you. On a side note: How can I request an autograph from you, just send it to the Mavs? Thanks! J.S.
Comment by Jason Schmidt -
One thing I’ve have always believed – With the right to complain (or whine), comes a responsibility to at least try and do something. If you whine without at least trying, it is just wind.
Comment by Rich Baikie -
No problem with whining if you act to change what you whine about – that I’m sure is what you are getting at.
I don’t think that most whiners get as much attention as you do… And since you get so much attention would you please whine along with everyone else in Toronto about the Raptors 😛
Comment by Bram -
Hey Mark, What’s with all the cheap shots? I mean first you dis Randy Galloway and his drinking, then you call San Antonio ‘ugly ass’ Riverwalk?
Certainly money doesn’t buy class, but you would think it would buy a small bit of decency. You’re obviously a bright guy, and I would think able to come up with compelling arguments rather than resort to name calling. Too bad for Dallas and their fans.
Comment by CW -
Good blog about making things happen and not being content with your dissatisfaction. However, I love Randy Galloway bc he gets me through the traffic. You can not take anything he says seriously. Hell, I don’t agree with half the stuff he says but I love it bc he does it all for the reaction. Obviously, he gets reactions.
Comment by Eric -
Any one with the slightest, and I do mean slightest bit of common sense, can see that Duncan of the Spurs gets EVERY call in his favor. Last nights game was a joke so far as the “calls” were concerned. Van Horn was in the game, what, 2 or 3 minutes, and had 3, yes, count them, 3 fouls. I guess the Mavs need to play “Don’t touch Duncan!” bball.
Keep on with the comments Mark C. At some point, somebody has to listen!
Comment by Susan -
If you want good radio in Dallas, you have to listen to ESPN after 7pm when Chuck Cooperstien comes on. He at least talks actual X’s and O’s on his broadcasts.
Comment by DHK -
Wow, with all that whining going on ….. it sounds like a vacation is in order. That way the whining could continue. Why does it have to be so beautiful here? http://www.drivensuccess.com/maldives/pictures.htm
When whining leads to productive action, it is always good.
Comment by Rick Hobbs -
Wow, with all that whining going on ….. it sounds like a vacation is in order. That way the whining could continue. Why does it have to be so beautiful here? http://www.drivensuccess.com/maldives/pictures.htm
When whining leads to productive action, it is always good.
Comment by Rick Hobbs -
Mark,
When are you going to right a blog about the bad reffing in this series and how the Spurs are getting hosed?
Comment by tom -
“Whining is the first step towards change. Its the moment when you realize something is very wrong and that you have to take the initiative to do something about it.”–VERY POWERFUL!
It’s sad to say that most people don’t take action to change the situation and does not realized the power within them..
Comment by Kate -
Can you whine to DAvid Stern about flopping? I propose that blatant flopping be called a technical foul. I just can’t stand it.
Comment by EZ -
Whining + Action = Positive Results
Whining + No Action = Whining
You have proved that all the whining in the world equals nothing without action.
Comment by Ray -
I enjoy reading what those jealous people “whine” back about what you (Mr Cuban) do. Good comedy.
Comment by BB -
Was that fine tax deductible?
Comment by Sean Barnes -
I guess the sqeeky wheel gets the grease.
Your whining about the officiating paid off for your Mav’s but dissed the Spurs. Nice Whine. Brilliant.
Comment by Sean Barnes -
I remember hearing years ago how you only have…
freedom of the press if you own the press…
guess the same goes with blogs…
Comment by t.tex edwards -
Whining; a precursor to proactive behavior, an interesting concept, and I agree.
I’ve always believed in the “think, feel, act” way of life, in that everything we do (or don’t do) starts with a single thought. If we’re uncomfortable with something and we start “thinking” something can be better, or something should work differently, we are left with a “feeling”. At that point its how we act upon that “feeling” that separates the Mark Cuban’s from the Randy Galloway’s of the world. Make no mistake about it, I guarantee you Randy Galloway feels the same thing Mark Cuban feels when things are amiss, wrong or simply not acceptable; its the choices they make in reaction to those things that thins the herd, and in turn has monumental implications where success and failure are concerned.
I’m not a blogophile by any means, and that’s evident by the fact I only read 2 blogs (Mark Cubans and Bob Parsons, CEO of Godaddy.com), but Mark Cuban, in my opinion, is and has been successful because he is honest about everything, even his shortcomings; the fact he calls himself a whiner, and the fact he talks about how to take the things that happen to you in life and seeing the opportunity it them, instead of the negative, like most people do.
Where most people see what’s wrong and do nothing, Mark see what’s wrong and decides how it should and can be and makes it so. This is simple logic by any standard, but in real world situations this is an extraordinary everyday practice that just about all successful people share and excel at.
But, sadly, most people wouldn’t understand, its a whining thing 🙂
Brandon Piddington
Comment by Brandon Piddington -
Mark,
I would like to whine (I get it…the word’s use here is actually sarcasm) about the Maloofs and their decision to not resign Adelman without a logical reason, replacement or a smidge of professional tact. I would like to whine about needing owners who either have a clue or step aside and leave the basketball business decisions to the knowledgable people who they have hired to make said decisions.
So basically, I need finacial backing to buy the Kings. I swear i’ll stay out of the operation decisions and will join your club of owners (would it just be the two of us?) who want to and will change the NBA for the better. I’ll need a budget for fines as I am sure I will get plenty of them.
Let’s do lunch.
Comment by Heidi -
So will that be your Webby acceptance speech – “Whining Is Good” (which imo is much better than Ivan Boesky’s “Greed Is Good”)? Or, “Whiners Are Winners”? Of course you could fall back on a variation of Al Gore’s “Please don’t recount this vote” and say something like “Please don’t fine this speech”
Comment by Tom -
how can you mention Dallas sports whiners with out mentioning Tim Cowlishaw?
talk about a whiner!
Comment by john henry -
how can you mention Dallas sports whiners with out mentioning Tim Cowlishaw?
talk about a whiner!
Comment by john henry -
Big fan of Randy Galloway. Bigger fan of Mark Cuban. Galloway is full of hot air and that makes him entertaining. Cuban is full of HOT Energy and that makes him and everything he touches entertaining. I personally am a whiner. To date, the effectiveness of my whining is not near as tallyable as Cuban, but the philosophy stands solid. WHININ’ AND WINNIN’……the new Mavs Slogan?
Comment by Robert Killian -
Hi Mark, I like you!!! You add a lot of fun to the game–I enjoy watching you on T.V. at the games almost as much as the Mavs!!!Keep on doing what you always do….and GO MAVS__ beat the Spurs!!!!!
Comment by Mrs Eleanor Chambers -
Mr. Cuban
You are correct if you do not make noise (whinning) then no one will listen. I appriciate all you do as the Mavs owner and rue the day the NBA tries to make you leave.
Comment by Big J -
Dang!! How about a little cheese and crackers to go with that whine?
Right, wrong, or indifferent, you have to admit despite what the naysayers and Miz Manners police say about Mark’s tactics, he gets it done.
If I wasn’t already committed to Kinky. I would be writing him in for Governor and hollering GO MARK!! Well hey.. I already am hollering Go Mark.
I just hope he never runs out of money so he can keep on keeping on. I have very few heros…and anyone as mouthy as he is with the courage of his convictions is a hero to me. I could say something about other local sports team owners here, but its not my blog..
Comment by Lillian -
Whine…please..u persuade!!! thats good whining!!
Comment by Riley -
I totally agree, I whine sometimes too to effect change. I dont understand how some people just stand around and dont do anything or say anything. They say you whine but when there is a change they want to benefit .
Comment by mark -
I whined about not being able to travel alone because of my shyness. Then, my shy friend who travels a lot said knowledge can dull shyness. So we have started a series of travel guidebooks just for shy guys: http://www.forshyguys.com. The first book is Bangkok for Shy Guys. We hope we can be as successful as you are. I do not think you are shy.
Comment by Boris -
RE: karl meisenbach
That’s the whole point, Cuban is both of those things. He is a whiner and he gets things done. He should stop the whining and just focus on getting things done. His petulant behaviour is tolerated because he gets things done(and because he is rich). But one doesn’t follow the other.
Comment by Tim -
There is a fine line with whining and making a wise appeal. Whining is not good… making a wise appeal is.
Comment by Sam -
Great post. Reminds me of this quote:
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable attempts to adapt the world to himself.
All progress, therefore, depends on the unreasonable man.
(Or woman!)
Comment by John Koetsier -
Keep up the whining. Obviously, it’s working!
Comment by Alexander Canas -
good sportsmanship is something few wish to value any more, much less take time to understand.
The example should always be one of a good sportsman no matter what may happen, win or lose.
If you see a need for changing the rules, or the way they are managed, maybe the creative solution is found in providing new ideas for the old pro ball rules.
Change for change sake doesn’t always work out either. Nash has been the MVP of the league two years in a row and we had him. Now my second fav. team is the Suns.
Devon is looking good, so maybe long term it works out and Damp. is needed inside. Yet, I still miss Nash. Seems like a sign and trade could have at least been considered.
Comment by jp -
Mark, I’m not a MAVS fan, but I’m a fan of yours. I’m on board with alot of your views. You’re right as far as I’m concerned, whining is a great attribute when coupled with a “can do” attitude. You see I was brought up to believe that whining was a weakness not a strength, but frankly whining IS a strength in America because we Americans DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
By the way thanks for giving us SPURS fan a team we can love to hate now that the lakers are so bad.
Comment by Java -
Randy Galloway is simply another product of the corporate media system that has evolved here in America. The only thing that is talked about now on the Radio or TV is controversy. They don’t report real stories and they spend too little time talking about the actual sports they cover. I heard stories from my Grand Father that the news used to be commercial free and it was considered a public service to the community to do. Now its just a way to sell products. Randy’s program is designed to bash. He will move on from Cuban and bash someone else soon enough. If you want good radio in Dallas, you have to listen to ESPN after 7pm when Chuck Cooperstien comes on. He at least talks actual X’s and O’s on his broadcasts.
Comment by Chuck LeJeune -
Hi Mark,
I believe that a whiner is a bit different than how you describe – a whiner is someone who complains, but does nothing constructive to cause improvement. Isn’t “Change Agent” the right term? (because the complaints are followed by an action plan that effects changes).
Comment by Chris Hamoen -
No problem with being a whiner except when you are fined for it. You need a ghost writer or an alias to get some things off your chest, these fines are ridiculous!
Maybe not for you but 200K is alot of cheese to somebody like me.
Here are some good names you can use for a ghost writer I am sure the N.B.A. would have no idea it’s you…
Mark Cubanero
Mark cubestern
Mark Cubitzki
Mark Stackan
Comment by David -
I think whining has a negative connotation because when most people think of whining, they think of the non-action oriented whiners. I agree with several of the other commenters who most whiners don’t try to improve the situation, they just sit around and wallow in their own self-pity. When I think of whining, I think of my kids sniveling, crying, complaining. You know what I’m talking about–they cry: wah, wah, life’s not fair. When my kids whine, they aren’t doing it to improve things, they don’t offer any useful suggestions for improvement–they’re just annoying!
You can call it what you want, but to me what you do isn’t whining, it’s called innovating, improving, and not settling for the status quo. It’s about finding a better way to do things than what’s currently being done. Whatever you call it, keep it up.
Comment by Dave -
Nice blog! I whine a lot too, so hopefully it will get me somewhere but can you start whining to someone about the pirates??
Comment by Lori -
When are you gonna realize no one freakin listens to you. You own an insignificant team in an insignificant city. NBA is like wrestling,just extend those series for 6 or 7 games. It’s unbearable to watch,as are you. Larry Birds Celtics,the great days of the NBA,would devour these Mavs in 4 straight,by 25-30 points a game.
Comment by Jeff Baumann -
Whine all you can Mark if it helps improve the NBA and the world.
Some officials want to make a statement for themselves and dont seem to care about the game.
Randy Galloway is cool but he is not my favorite.
Go Mavs! All the way.
Comment by KC -
Whiners are great when they can find solutions to the issues. Those whiners are called Inventors. However, there are some that just whine and have no solution or suggestion. Those whiners are losers. That is when you just want to say to them ” Would you like some cheese with that ‘whine'”
I would say Cuban is an inventor and not a loser by any means. 🙂
As for me, I would love to watch the Mavs play at AA center during the playoffs. But of course, only but extremely rich people, Mark’s friends can afford,but a poor hispanic person like me can only wish to be in attendanc, has to watch the game on some 13 inch black and white TV that has rabbit ears with alumnium foil hanging on the left ear, with at least 10-14 others around. How is that fair America? Cuban is blessed and not me? That is so wrong and unfair! If only I can whine like Cuban with my billion of dollars in the bank account. I, too, would like to be a whiner like Cuban.
By the way, I will take my cheese now.
Comment by Jacqueline -
To the media, whining is negative because it doesn’t neatly fit their what, who, why recipe. Whining is opinion and, darn it, that’s what editorial writers get paid for. Like discussing officiating of NBA games, only certain people can do it. There is a whole cottage industry of kissing up to super stars and talking about officiating that has made many former professional athletes part of the “media” where many of them don’t belong (see Dee Brown, et al.).
I am whining about the quality of sports commentators and “analysts”. I hope you are whining about Randy Galloway. Perhaps action will follow.
Why don’t you just buy ESPN and merge it into HDNET? At least buy ESPN-HD. Their “HD” broadcast most of the time consists of a 4:3 screen format broadcast at 480p over a 16:9 background to fill the screen. It’s a joke. NBA games on TNT HD look even worse. Heck, the only reason I watch the Mavs is because of HDNET.
By the way, I whine about the proliferation of the letters HD into everything media nowadays, so you might want to think about changing the HDNET name before it becomes passe (like the terms Hi-Fi, Stereo, and solid state). Maverick is a good fit and you already own the concept and the name. MAVNET, All Maverick, All the Time… in 1080p…
Comment by Nelson Garcia -
Doesn’t sound like whining to me. Sounds a little like insecurity and boasting to make up for it Mr. Cuban. None of those things satisfied you ultimately. And in 100 years, no one will even know who you were. All this stuff will be gone. I, personally, want to do things that enhance people’s lives for eternity. The purpose of life, is to live a life of purpose. The Cross……the greatest sight of my life. When I believed……the greatest night of my life. Since then…..it’s been the fight of my life.
Comment by Derek Z -
Yes, The whiner doesn’t even think about HOW things should be changed, but just that things are currently bad.
Comment by Pet -
I love all of Mark Cuban’s comments. I’m glad someone has the money and isn’t afraid to speak out against the negatives of the best and most exciting sport in the world. I am more than half serious when I accuse the NBA of being as fake as the WWE. I know that the NBA is a business and the goal is to make a profit. There are so many questionable calls and non-calls, double-standards, and made up storylines.
Comment by Brett -
Mr. Cuban thank you for the perspective on the word but I believe the connotation is what it is about “whining” because most whiner’s don’t do anything. I am much less likely to ever view you as a whiner; however, I will always view you as an innovator and I believe innovation has to come from discomfort from the status quo… thanks for perspective though AWESOME BLOG!
Comment by Danny Allen -
hey guys, mark’s being facetious.
he’s not a whiner, he’s a guy who gets thinks done, he doesn’t just complain/whine about a situation, he works to make a change.
there’s a rule at mark cuban companies, no whining. (based on my experiences working at audionet, broadcast.com, and hdnet the past 8 years.)
if you see a problem/issue, find the solution, speak up/take action to make it right.
Comment by karl meisenbach -
I think the problem runs a lot deeper than the officiating. You better look at the person who is constantly “tinkering” with the rules to the point it is no longer basketball. There does seem to be more teams actually playing team ball (thanks to the European influx). However, until you get away from “advantage/no advantage” style of refereeing and come to the realization that Shaquille O’Neal is barely a basketball player let alone one of the 50 greatest…your available market and those that really support the infrastructure will continue to dwindle. But – you already know that.
I coach youth basketball and still play at a relatively high level; but I could not tell you the last NBA game I watched where I wasn’t at the game entertaining customers…
Comment by Carson -
If I was an NBA owner, I’d be doing the same complaining as Mr. Cuban about the refs. There is a lot to complain about, and this is not WHINING! Go back and play the tapes. Bad calls can not only cost a team a single game, they can cost a championship. Good example was the NBA Finals between Utah and Chicago, when Jordan reached in to try and steal the ball from Karl Malone. Jordan got the ball alright, raced down the floor with 7 seconds left and put in the winning bucket, but HE FOULED MALONE to get the ball, but there was no foul called, even though the replay clearly shows the official standing right there, with a clear view of Jordan smacking Malone’s hand, NOT THE BALL. That bucket cost Utah the game, and ultimately, an NBA title. The score was tied before this incident. It should have put Malone at the line for two free throws, not that this would have clinched anything as Malone had a long history of missing clutch FF, but what if Jerry Sloan or their owner, Miller, had WHINED about all this? Would they have tagged as whiners, too?
What’s needed in the NBA, and needed desperately, is the same sort of REVIEW that has finally been accepted in pro football, where a coach can demand, on certain types of plays, the refs go look at the video tape. The refs don’t like the idea because they obvioulsy have such a tissue paper thin personality. They can’t take criticism, and worse, their lousy work would be exposed even more than it is now. But should these considerations come before skewing the outcome of NBA games because the moron refs can’t get it right? Hey, they’re just human, we know that, but it’s a shame THEY won’t admit it. No one is perfect. Certainly Mr. Cuban doesn’t expect the refs to be perfect. Only a crazy person would expect perfection, but that’s the beauty of video tape, to get it right, and make WHINING (if that’s what the newspaperman wants to call it) far less frequent.
Also, the fines leveled at Mr. Cuban are much too extreme. Dictator Stern apparently has some kind of corncob hanging out his wazoo for certain people. That smacks of prejudice, which the NBA doesn’t need. The NBA needs a drastic shakeup in many respects, not unlimited attacks on Mr. Cuban.
And I’m not even a Mavs fan…
Jack Wiesenmeyer
Caulfield Mo.
(real name, real address- nowhere to run, nowhere to hide)
Comment by j. wiesenmeyer -
Alas, I believe a whining contest is in order…
Cuban -vs- Galloway
Brilliant -vs- Often Vicious
I like it, run with it, tomorrow 3pm, espn 103.3
Comment by Robert -
Mark,
I few years ago I whined to you about when they showed the top of the backboard on tv it read “dallasmavericks.com” and I told you that all you have to do is type “mavs.com” and it will work just the same. And I also told you that “mavs.com” would look a hell of a lot better, smaller, and grab audiences attention. And now the top of the backboard does read “mavs.com”. I don’t know if my email is the reason it has changed, but to me, my whining got through and worked!
Comment by Jake -
1) you are right, play offs are the NBA show, not regular season where 80 games are played to eleminate just a few sorry teams.
2) play offs should feature best of the best
– best teams
– best TV (all should be in HDTV)
– best refs to let teams decide
– Main stream promotions
– correct seeding
3) on the last point the NBA can not even figure out seeding for maximum impact, how dumb!
Comment by Bill Norvell -
There are lots of people who make a difference in life without whining. They find something they disagree with, they create a plan and then they influence the change. Whining is not a step.
You might try discussing your thoughts with other owners and the league in a more private and professional manner.
Your posting was meant to embarrass the league/commissioner first, and then influence a change second.
Comment by Scott -